England flanker Sam Underhill not giving up on Rugby World Cup place
Rugby NewsThursday, 27 July 2023 at 09:08
Despite being let go from the squad, Bath flanker Sam Underhill remains determined to earn a recall from England boss Steve Borthwick ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Regarded as one of England's standout performers in 2019, his sudden departure came as a surprise to the rest of the squad.
Sources close to RUCK indicate that Underhill's desire to represent his country at the international level is undiminished.
He is said to be on Borthwick's standby list, positioning him to potentially rejoin the team at any given moment.
Joining Underhill on the standby list are the likes of prop Mako Vunipola, winger Cadan Murley, and scrum-half Alex Mitchell.
Aware of the opportunity that lies ahead, Underhill is diligently putting in the work at the gym and has no plans of taking a summer holiday, staying focused on his aspirations to wear the England jersey once again.
5 England stars who could swap nations
The Bath back-rower, originally hailing from Dayton, Ohio, possesses the potential to represent the United States due to his place of birth.
Following a temporary absence from the England national team, he could become eligible to join the USA squad.
According to the stipulations, a three-year period of ineligibility would be imposed after his final international appearance for England, which occurred during a match against Tonga in November 2021.
Sam Underhill of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
Consequently, he would be able to don the Eagles jersey starting from November 2024.
The USA's recent failure to qualify for the 2023 Rugby World Cup necessitates any available assistance, and his inclusion would provide valuable support to the team.
During his childhood, his father Greg was stationed in Dayton with the RAF, yet the family relocated to Gloucester when he was approximately ten years old.
Considering his last appearance for England in 2022, he would have to wait until 2025 to represent the Eagles, coinciding with his age of just 30.
#2. Manu Tuilagi to Samoa
In an extensive interview with The Daily Telegraph, the youngest Tuilagi revealed that while “England is very special to me, of course, but my heart and home is still Samoa.”
Manu, who is named after the Samoan national side, is the odd one out of his rugby-playing brothers, as Anitelea, Alesana, Henry and Freddie all opted to play for Manu Samoa rather than any of the European nations they spent time living in throughout their professional careers.
Correct at the time of writing, Tuilagi could be available for Samoa in 2025, though time isn't on his side as he would be 33 by then.
Manu Tuilagi of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK
#3. Billy Vunipola to Tonga or Australia
The 29-year-old, born in Sydney in 1992, would be free to play for the Aussies when he completes his three-years stand down from international rugby.
Winning 61 caps since making his debut in 2013, reports down under suggested Aussie chiefs wanted to make contact with the powerhouse about a potential swap prior to his recall last Autumn.
Tonga, who Billy’s Dad Fe’ao played for in the 1990s, also remain keen on the Saracens star.
Billy Vunipola of England in possession ahead of Kazuki Himeno of Japan during the Autumn International Series match between England and Japan at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 12th November 2022 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
#4. Bevan Rodd to Scotland
Despite being born in Scotland, he grew up on the Isle of Man and so was eligible to play for both England and Scotland.
Although he's been a regular member of squads in recent times, Rodd has still only won two caps with his latest coming in 2021.
Therefore, Rodd could be available for Scotland as early as 2024 unless Borthwick caps the exciting loosened again.
Bevan Rodd of England is tackled during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#5. Alex Lozowski to Italy
Lozowski, who has an Italian grandmother, could take advantage of the new World Rugby rules surrounding eligibility.
The Saracens star, who won the last of his six England caps in 2018, could swap with immediate effect following the rule change and has been approached by Italy boss Kieran Crowley.
He's also been in contact with Italian qualified speedsters Louis Lynagh and Paulo Odogowu, who are both currently uncapped.
“I have been in contact. I haven’t personally been in contact with Paolo but he has been contacted,” Crowley said at the Six Nations launch.
Pablo Matera of Argentina on the break slipping the tackle from Sam Underhill of England Rugby and then tackled by Alex Lozowski of England Rugby during the International Old Mutual Wealth Series match between England v Argentina on 11th November 2017 at Twickenham Stadium, London, England (Photo:Phil Mingo/PPAUK),
“The other two [Lozowski and Lynagh] I have spoken to personally. They have made decisions at the moment that I respect. I support them. I’ll keep in contact with them. But certainly if they were available, we’d certainly be looking at them. They are all quality players.
“We will keep the lines of communication open. Not only with those three but there are a number of others as well.”
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